Apple Expected To Announce New iPhone And Smartwatch
By Ian Bush
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Last week, we told you about Samsung's new Galaxy Note: the smartphone-tablet hybrid is set to hit store shelves next month.
Today, it's Apple's turn -- with the iPhone maker expected to announce its own big-screen handheld.
The screen on the Galaxy Note tops out at 5.7" -- that's more than an inch and a half extra real estate than the iPhone 5 has to text and email, use apps, and watch streaming video.
That's left Apple playing catch-up, but 9to5Mac.com publisher Seth Weintraub says no bother:
"They've been able to make the phone lighter even though the screen's getting bigger, so the tradeoff isn't as pronounced. And I think everyone is used to a big screen now."
He thinks we'll see two new iPhones, one with a 4.7" screen and one nearly an inch larger.
Apple also is expected to announce a smartwatch -- certainly not the first wearable out there.
"Apple's good at doing that -- turning a niche product into a mainstream product," he said. "That's kind of what they do. And recognizing when the technology is right for the masses. "
Same with NFC. Even BlackBerry has put near-field communication on its phones; if Apple does so, could the tap-to-pay tech take off?